Australian student visa takes between 4 to 10 weeks to process. From records, 75% of applications are processed within 4 weeks, while the rest last up to 10 weeks.

This time can extend depending on your country of origin, visa category (Student visa subclass 500 or Training visa subclass 407), and how complete or error-free your application is.

If your application takes so long for a decision to be made on it, there is a reason for the delay.

Why is my Australian student visa taking so long?

Your Australian visa application is taking so long due to:

• The volume of applications received by the authorities
• Need for security and background checks
• Error in your application
• Prolonged document verification process
• Policy change
• Embassy closure
• Your country of origin
• Need for an administrative review

Any of these factors can make your application take so long to get a decision.

• The volume of applications received by the embassy

Sometimes, the embassy receives a high volume of visa applications, especially during peak seasons like, before the start of a new academic session.

These backlogs of applications can cause delays in processing your visa application.

Read also: Which countries can I visit with a Canadian student visa?

It is also possible that other applicants submitted before you did – and in most cases, it is processed based on the time of application.

The first to apply gets a decision before others.

• Security and background checks

Immigration authorities conduct thorough security checks on every applicant.

Read also: How long after my visa interview will I get my visa?

During the check, they examine you to ensure you’re not a security risk to the country.

If they find any red flags, your application will be delayed for further investigation.

Red flags like criminal record, and DUI (driving under the influence) will delay your student visa application.

Read also: Why does an embassy hold your passport?

If you have a criminal record or other related offences, provide proof that the issue has been resolved (in your application) to avoid delay.

• If you submit an error-filled application

One of the reasons why your student visa will take so long to get a decision is that you submitted an error-filled or incomplete application.

Every country’s student visa has outlined requirements that your application must meet.

To increase your chances of getting fast approval, follow the application guidelines and submit all the required documents.

Read also: How to collect my passport after my visa is approved

One missing document is enough to delay your application.

• Delay during document verification

Before your student visa is approved, the authenticity of your documents will be verified by the immigration authorities.

The authentification process is time-consuming and will get worse if they find any document that isn’t authentic.

Your application will be delayed.

To avoid this, submit documents from verifiable sources.

• Policy change

Immigration authorities make changes to their policies.

And, these changes are key to visa approval.

Changes like updates to eligibility criteria, processing protocols and acceptable document formats occur frequently.

Each change can affect how long it will take to approve each submitted student visa.

Read also: Your passport is ready for pickup; does it mean visa approval?

• Embassy closure

Embassies can close temporarily and when situations like this happen, it affects visa processing time.

For example, during an unrest in your country that forces the embassy to close temporarily, approving submitted visa applications will be delayed.

• Your country of origin

If the immigration office in your country has limited staff, it will take time to process all submitted student visa applications, especially during peak seasons.

• If there is a need for an internal review of your application

Some visa categories require internal review or high-level clearance with other government departments.

Read also: I made a mistake on my Canadian visa application, what should I do?

If yours falls into this category, your application will be delayed.

Except for the above conditions, your student visa application will be processed on time.

What to do if my Australia student visa is delayed

After submitting your application, wait for the processing time (4 weeks) to elapse before you assume it’s delaying.

After 4 to 10 weeks of no response from the immigration authorities, check the reason for the delay.

• Check the reason for the delay

Knowing the reason for the delay will help you decide what you need to do.

You can check the reason for the delay through the ImmiAccount portal, where you initially submitted your application.

• Log into your ImmiAccount with your username and password, access your
• And, look for any messages, responses or requests from the authorities.

If there is no specified reason for the delay, contact the Department of Home Affairs.

• Contact the Department of Home Affairs

When the delay exceeds the standard processing period, contact the Department of Home Affairs through their Global Service Centre (GSC).

You can reach them between Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm your local time.

However, they usually receive a high volume of calls on Mondays.

Do not contact them on Australian National Public Holidays, they are not always available during these periods.

See their phone numbers below:

In Australia
Phone: 131 881 ​​

Outside Australia
Phone: +61 2 6196 0196​

• Send them an email: You can also send them an email (foi@homeaffairs.gov.au).

Include your application reference number and other details in the email – and request for an update about your application.

• Use the online form: Another way to contact the authorities is through their online enquiry form which you can find here.
• Visit in person: If you are already in Australia, visit the Department of Home Affairs office.

If you’re not in the country (and still wish to visit in person), find the nearest visa office by clicking here.

When you contact the authorities, they’ll explain the reason for the delay and if there is anything they need from you, you’ll be notified as well.

• Contact your institution in Australia

The amazing thing about educational institutions that admit international students in Australia is that they have dedicated international student support services.

They can help you in many ways during the delay:

• Inform your institution about your visa delay.
• Request a letter of support: A letter from your institution explaining the urgency of your situation can sometimes help expedite your visa processing.
• If necessary, your school authorities can assist in providing any additional information requested by the Department of Home Affairs.

Who to contact for an Australian visa delay?

If your Australian visa is delayed, you can contact the Department of Home Affairs through their website or helpline. You can also ask your visa agent or immigration lawyer for help.

If your application goes beyond the usual processing time, submit an inquiry through the Home Affairs’ online portal or visit the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

If you applied through a migration agent, they’ll follow up on your behalf.

What if the delay prolongs till after your program start date?

If the delay is prolonged, you can work with your institution to defer your course start date to the next available intake. With this, you’ll not lose your place in the program.

You can also file a complaint if you’re convinced the delay is unwarranted.

Consider complaining to the Ombudsman

If you believe the delay is unreasonable or if you are not receiving adequate assistance, you should consider lodging a formal complaint:

Australian Immigration Ombudsman investigates complaints about the Department of Home Affairs.

Before contacting the Ombudsman, file a complaint with Home Affairs through their internal complaints channels.

You can do this by using the online complaint form. You can also submit your complaint in writing, or call the Home Affairs’ Global Feedback Unit at 133 177.

When you file a complaint to Home Affairs, request your complaint reference number and note the date you lodged your complaint – you’ll need the reference number when you contact the Ombudsman.

Find more details about how to lodge complaints to the Ombudsman here.

How to increase your chances of receiving your student visa on time 

To get your student visa on time:

• Apply early.
• Make sure your application is complete and double-check for any mistakes before submitting it.
• Follow the visa guidelines and provide clear, organized documents.
• Include strong proof of funds for your tuition and living costs.
• Submit your application through your ImmiAccount for faster processing.
• You can also work with an immigration agent to help avoid errors and delays.

How early can I apply for an Australian student visa?

You can apply for an Australian student visa up to 124 days (approximately 4 months) before your course start date.

Upon accepting your admission offer and getting your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your Australian institution, apply for your student visa.

Read also: How do I know if my Canadian visa is approved

Apply as early as possible – it gives you enough time to process your application and handle any unexpected delays.

If you experience unexpected delays after submitting your application, contact the Department of Home Affairs or the visa application centre where you submitted your application.